New ‘electronic glue’ promises cheaper semiconductors

A new “electronic glue” for nanocrystals developed by researchers at the University of Chicago and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory promises to accelerate advances in semiconductor-based technologies, including solar cells and thermoelectric devices.

Semiconductor nanocrystals can be readily mass-produced and used for device manufacturing via inkjet printing and other solution-based processes. This makes them an attractive alternative to the large semiconductor crystals typically used in commercial solar cells and computer chips which are expensive and can make large-scale applications such as rooftop solar-energy collectors prohibitive.

However, up until now, nanocrystals are unable to efficiently transfer their electric charges to one another due to surface ligands - bulky, insulating organic molecules that cap nanocrystals. But the “electronic glue” developed in Dmitri Talapin's laboratory at the University of Chicago solves the ligand problem by substituting the insulating organic molecules with novel inorganic molecules to dramatically increase the electronic coupling between nanocrystals.

Darren's love of technology started in primary school with a Nintendo Game & Watch Donkey Kong (still functioning) and a Commodore VIC 20 computer (not still functioning). In high school he upgraded to a 286 PC, and he's been following Moore's law ever since. This love of technology continued through a number of university courses and crappy jobs until 2008, when his interests found a home at Gizmag. All articles by Darren Quick